97 XJ

What would cause the door chime to go off without the key in the ignition? Lights are off too. I think its cuasing a parasitic drain on the battery.

 

Had a couple guys say headlight switch and pigtail. Is this a common issue? Didn't see this in the search.

 

That would be my first guess. Does trying to turn the cylinder back further without the key in or banging on it stop it? I don't recall if there is a connector under the dash or if you have to pull the lower steering cover to unplug it. The service manual wiring diagrams should have the pinout for the connector and wire color. If it's just the key-in switch, I'd be tempted to just snip the wire.

 

Well replacing the headlight switch did not work. I pulled this wire off the ignition switch and it quit. Anyone know what it does?

 

I believe the door chime only turns on if key is inserted into ignition lock, it should be off otherwise.

 

that's the weird thing. No key in and still chimes like the headlights are on but they aren't. Replaced the headlight switch and nothing. I'm leaning towards ignition switch now since when I pull that green connector it stops but I would like to know what that green connector goes to becuase I hate just throwing parts at something.

 

That's the Key-in Switch connector. I think the Key-in switch is part of your ignition switch. You could try spraying some electrical contact cleaner inside to see if it helps. If you already have the column apart, you could try an ohm meter on the connection in the switch to see it if the switch is stuck. Key in should show continuity. Key out "infinity".

 

this is exactly what i needed. Thank you!

 

If you can't get the switch freed up, there's no harm leaving it disconnected. Just remember to take the key with you.

 

I know this thread is old, but fwiw I had the EXACT same issue which started after a shop got my key lock cylinder jammed while working on my vehicle. How they had so much trouble with the key, i have no idea. I was able to get the key lock cylinder unjammed, but then afterwards if the door is open with the key removed the chime goes off which annoying.

When i swapped in a new ignition lock cylinder the chime issue went away. For the life of me i cannot understand why the old cylinder is having an issue causing the chime while the new one does not. From the outside they both seem like they are working just fine. I don't know what is happening internally if anything is different, or maybe it is how it works together with the ignition switch/ignition switch actuator.

The annoying thing about using the new cylinder is that now that needs a new key for ignition that is different than the key for the door. But there's also the trick where you can get a jeep xj key made with one key pattern on one side and another on the other side.

 

I took my ignition switch apart, lightly sanded contacts and put it back together. Junk in there was shorting to ACC power for me and was draining my battery
No need to replace the switch just yet. The switch has a center pin for the key to be in and make that chime. That pin could just be stuck. Pull'r apart and try